| Index | Ankeny | Iowa | National |
| Cost of living | 105 | 89 | 100 |
| Groceries | 98 | 97 | 100 |
| Health care | 94 | 96 | 100 |
| Housing | 128 | 74 | 100 |
| Transportation | 95 | 97 | 100 |
| Utilities | 97 | 95 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 91 | 95 | 100 |
| Household Items | 97 | 97 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 98 | 94 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Ankeny can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Ankeny cost of living index is 105, which is 5% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Ankeny are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Ankeny can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.
When it comes to the cost of living in Ankeny, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 28% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 23 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Ankeny and this is how they responded. 61% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 39% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.
Is Ankeny an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Ankeny is 32.8% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 17% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Ankeny has a median household income of $135,242, which is 66.3% higher than the national average.
Subsidies: Certain regions may provide government subsidies or assistance initiatives designed to alleviate the cost of living burden on their residents. These programs encompass a wide range of support mechanisms, such as Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farming subsidies. Areas with fewer subsidy offerings might experience an elevation in their cost of living.
Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Ankeny, the transportation index is 5.5% lower than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Ankeny, the utilities index registers at 3% lower than the national average.
The cost of living estimates displayed for Ankeny are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $150,970 | $12,581 | $3,522 | $4,530 |
| Renters | $79,876 | $6,656 | $1,864 | $2,397 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| Iowa | 6% | 7% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| Iowa | 4.4% | 6% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Valeria, IA | 42 | 79 | 20.8% |
| Maxwell, IA | 765 | 85 | 14.9% |
| Mitchellville, IA | 2,467 | 90 | 10.0% |
| Runnells, IA | 495 | 90 | 9.9% |
| Elkhart, IA | 709 | 91 | 9.2% |
| Ankeny, IA | 66,592 | 105 | 5.5% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Florence-Graham, CA | 66,603 | 138 | 38.2% |
| Wellington, FL | 66,604 | 139 | 38.6% |
| Blaine, MN | 66,645 | 112 | 11.6% |
| East Orange, NJ | 66,655 | 115 | 15.1% |
| San Clemente, CA | 66,681 | 208 | 107.9% |
| Ankeny, IA | 66,592 | 105 | 5.5% |
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